Being bigger can cause aches, pains, and stress on joints, not to mention the increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other health complications later in life.

If you have struggled to maintain a healthier BMI, lap band surgery might be an option for you. Keep reading for a primer on the benefits and drawbacks of weight loss band surgery.

What Is Lap Band Surgery?

Lap band surgery is a laparoscopic procedure where a surgeon places a small band around the upper portion of the stomach. This banding creates a smaller stomach pouch, allowing the recipient to feel fuller after eating less food.

This can result in sustainable, healthy weight loss.

Because it’s a laparoscopic procedure, lap bands are less invasive than other bariatric procedures. There is no cutting or removing of stomach or intestines, meaning recovery is much easier.

This also means there is a lower risk of infection or other severe side effects.

The lap band is adjustable after the surgery with no additional invasive procedures needed. It’s removable if needed, and the stomach will often revert to its initial size and shape.

In order to qualify for the procedure, recipients generally need to have a BMI of 40 or greater or, if they also have two or more obesity-related health issues, a BMI of 30 or greater.

What is The Outcome of the Lap Band Procedure?

There are many success stories that chronicle the weight loss of lap band recipients. In addition to being safe, it’s also effective when used in combination with lifestyle changes, including exercise and diet changes.

One reason the lap band tends to be successful is that it’s adjustable (non-invasively) years later. This means that further reduction of the stomach pouch size is possible later if the patient isn’t seeing the results they desire.

Are There Potential Complications?

Of course, like any medical procedure, there is a risk of complications. There’s the remote possibility of slippage and erosion; however, they are infrequent.

Some recipients have reported issues with vomiting, nausea, gallstones, or esophageal reflux disorder.

Due to the non-invasive nature of the procedure, lap bands are, as a general rule, quite safe. Your doctor or surgeon will thoroughly discuss all potential risks and complications with you so that you can be fully informed prior to getting the procedure done.

Is Lap Band Surgery Right For You?

If you’ve started to see a decrease in quality of life due to your weight, chat with your doctor about lap band surgery. For the right candidates, it can be a great, non-invasive procedure with little downtime.

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The name is John. I've been travelling for about 3 years now and don't plan on going back home to Canada anytime soon. I love to eat, watch sports and stay out late. But most of all, I love not working a 9-5 job anymore... (Not that there's anything wrong with that!). It just wasn't for me, I felt like my soul was slowly dying every day I dredged in front of my computer screen in a mundane office. Read More…